It’s very easy for hair to become dry or brittle, especially when the weather changes. That is even truer if you spend a lot of time outdoors, more specifically in the pool or ocean. Not to mention the fact that harsh hair care products can damage hair, increasing the risk of hair loss, breakage, and frizz. Fortunately for you, the homemade hair oil treatment in this article can help nourish the scalp and promote healthier hair. 

One of the great things about this hair oil treatment is that it is an inexpensive way to promote healthier hair, no matter your hair type. You can even use this product on children to help make hair more manageable! It can make hair easier to brush without irritating the tenderest of scalps. Let’s take a look at the ingredients to see why this treatment is a notch above the rest. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for its culinary applications, but it also has a long history of use in cosmetics. According to historians, Ancient Greeks used olive oil to make body care products, including salves, soaps, and massage oils. Researchers note that olive oil can be particularly beneficial for people with brittle hair strands. Several studies indicate that hair treated with olive oil is less prone to damage than hair not treated with olive oil. Olive oil also works to enhance the hair’s resilience, making it stronger and easier to detangle without breakage. 

Coconut Oil

In 2022, researchers conducted a study that tested the effects of coconut-based hair oils on human hair damaged by regular washing. Study authors concluded that coconut-based hair oils were able to reduce that damage. Researchers attribute this to the lauric acid content in coconut oil. Lauric acid is a type of saturated fat that may protect against protein loss, particularly keratin. Dyes, bleach, shampoos, and other styling products can damage hair, making it appear dull or fragile. Coconut oil contains triglycerides that are able to penetrate and interact with the hair cortex. In doing so, coconut oil can help reduce the amount of water hair absorbs, which limits daily damage. 

Honey

Honey has both humectant and emollient properties, making it an excellent moisturizer for your hair. Humectants bond with water molecules, which works to add moisture to dry strands. Emollients help smooth hair follicles, helping to add shine to dull-looking hair. Because honey contains 0.5% protein, it may help restore weak and brittle hair strands. Protein treatments are very popular in modern hair care routine, considering that keratin is an essential protein that adds structure and strength to your hair. 

Epsom Salt

Believe it or not, Epsom salt can benefit more than sore muscles or skin issues. According to researchers, Epsom salt may help cleanse the scalp by removing impurities, toxins, and excess sebum. By detoxifying the scalp, you unclog hair follicles, which can help improve nutrient absorption and promote hair growth. 

Hair Oil Treatment

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
• 1-2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a bowl and use an immersion blender to combine. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can place the ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk as the ingredients warm up. 
• Add the essential oil to the mixture and whisk well to combine. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and store in a cool, dry place. 
• When ready to use, shake well right before application. You can also warm it up in a microwave for 30 seconds or so to ensure the ingredients are fully liquified. 
• Massage the treatment into your hair and scalp, put a shower cap on, and leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes. 
• Rinse the oil off in the shower and shampoo out.

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Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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You try to encourage hair growth with serums, oils, scalp scrubs, and more, but your efforts don’t seem to yield positive results. What’s the deal? Well, hair loss is complicated and several factors, from genetics to lifestyle, are potential causes. More often than not, there are several factors that contribute to hair thinning or hair loss, so it can be difficult to address the exact problem. 

Hair loss is frustrating because you don’t always know how to fight it. What can you do to contribute to better growth and healthier hair? Stress management practices are a great starting point because anxiety often triggers hair loss. There are several science-backed hair growth products that have proven to be effective for many people. And the last thing, which you may overlook, is what you eat. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with the right nutrients can contribute to healthier hair. 

You don’t have to look further than the grocery store if you want to optimize your hair nutrition. Hair supplements, vitamins, and minerals can be beneficial, but you can typically get the hair nutrients you need from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and other foods. If you experience hair loss and want to fight back through your diet, you’ll need more of the following nutrients. 

Iron

Protein, which we’ll get to next, is an essential nutrient for hair growth, but iron is just as important. Iron, which you can easily find in lentils, kidney beans, cashews, spinach, beets, and other foods, is stored in keratin. When you do not consume enough iron-rich foods, the body scavenges for it from other sources, such as your hair. In fact, many studies have linked iron deficiency to hair loss. If you are worried about your iron levels, consult a doctor for guidance before taking an iron supplement. Taking too much iron may have adverse effects. 

Protein

There are various sources of protein, some of which are animal-based and some of which are plant-based. Greek yogurt, wild caught salmon, free-range organic chicken, tempeh, lentils, beans, spelt, hemp seeds, green peas, quinoa, oats, wild rice, chia seeds, broccoli, nuts, spinach, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are all great protein sources. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. 

Hair is made up of keratin, which is a protein, so you need to eat protein in order to have a sufficient supply of amino acids. The recommended daily amount (RDA) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For optimal hair growth and to reduce hair shedding, consume 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Lastly, diversify your protein intake so that you get protein from different foods. The body also requires protein for nails and the skin!

Prebiotic Fibers And Fermented Foods

According to research, foods that support gut health can positively affect your hair. Nourish the gut microbiome with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso, natto, and more. You also need to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut with prebiotic fibers, which include garlic, asparagus, onions, sunchokes, among other foods. Prebiotic fibers and fermented foods are not directly related to hair growth, but they do reduce overall inflammation and increase nutrient absorption. Researchers note that chronic inflammation can trigger hair loss because it prematurely sends hair to its shedding phase. 

Zinc

The final nutrient to pay attention to is zinc, which you can find in pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sesame butter, wheat germ, oats, ginger, and raw cacao. Much like fermented foods and prebiotic fibers, the relationship between zinc and hair loss isn’t fully understood. Some studies found that men with male-pattern baldness had low levels of zinc. Other research notes that zinc may influence the production of DHT, a hormone that’s linked to hair loss in both men and women.

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Beauty is very personal and different products resonate with each person in a different way. There is no definitive “best” routine, solution, cream, or serum for the skin; rather, the best skin care products are the ones that work best for your skin. That said, there are certain ingredients in various products that stand out more than others. In fact, it is universally understood that certain body oils are great for most skin types. The best part? They are unscented and have high concentrations of essential fatty acids. 

A Little Info About The Skin

The skin has two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Both of these primary layers are comprised of specialized cell types that contribute to the uniqueness of each layer. The epidermis consists of keratinocytes in varying states of differentiation. They help to prevent water loss and the invasion of toxins and microbes, serving to enhance skin barrier function. The dermis, which mostly consists of collagen and elastin, helps to provide physical and nutritional support to the epidermis.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential fatty acids, like other essential nutrients, are types of fatty acids that the body cannot create on its own. This is because the body lacks the necessary enzymes to manufacture these ingredients from alternative food sources. That’s why you have to supply them via a steady, dietary stream. There are two families of essential fatty acids: omega 3 fatty acids, and omega 6 fatty acids, both of which are polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can obtain these essential fatty acids by eating different foods, or you can apply oils that contain them topically on the skin.

The Role Of Essential Fatty Acids In The Skin

When you supply the body with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, it can perform optimally in several ways. As mentioned earlier, the epidermis (the skin’s top layers) form a barrier that locks in hydration and keeps irritants, allergens, and bacteria out. Essential fatty acids maintain the stratum corneum permeability barrier, serving as building blocks for the synthesis of complex lipids. These fatty acids are essentially part of the seal that sits in the cracks between cells in the epidermis, according to dermatologists. In simpler terms, fatty acids are like grout that sits between bathroom tiles. They maintain the integrity of the outer skin layer, helping the skin barrier do its job. 

Although you can find essential fatty acids in various skin care products, they work particularly best in oils. The reason for this is because they complement an oil’s intended purpose, which is to create a protective seal on the skin. Face and body oils are always the last step in a skin care routine for a reason, and it is because they are occlusive. Products with occlusive properties work to lock in moisture and nutrients into the skin. 

How To Find A Body Oil That’s Rich In Fatty Acids

Some brands infuse fatty acids directly into the formula, while other plant oils are naturally rich in them. If you purchase face or body oils, check to see if they have oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid on the ingredient list. If you opt for plant oils, consider the following:

• Prickly pear seed oil: This oil is naturally rich in antioxidants and contains three major fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and linolenic). Prickly pear seed oil also contains polyphenols that help the skin fight off free radicals. 
• Grape seed oil: Having a good blend of linoleic, linolenic, and oleic fatty acids, grape seed oil is traditionally made by pressing grape seeds that are collected after grapes have been turned into wine. It also works to feed the skin nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, helping to moisturize and condition the skin. 
• Sunflower seed oil: This oil primarily contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids, but it does exhibit an impressive vitamin E content. Because sunflower seed oil is a light oil that dries down quickly, it is ideal for the body. Beauty experts refer to it as a dry oil for this reason.
• Safflower seed oil: Most of safflower seed oil is of about 70% linoleic acid, with the remaining amount being linolenic, oleic, and other fatty acids. Most beauty experts agree that safflower oil is very well-rounded and noncomedogenic. 
• Rosehip seed oil: This oil is mostly used for facial skin and has a great balance of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. In fact, it is an excellent source of these fatty acids!

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It’s safe to say that some people got lazy with hair care during the pandemic. Some people went the opposite direction and began soaking their hair in olive oil, or coconut-based hair masks, embracing the DIY lifestyle. Caring for your hair can feel like a chore at times, but it is a job worth doing to encourage long, healthy locks and a nourished scalp. 

Protecting the hair is especially important for those who use heat-styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers. Some of these tools don’t always allow for temperature control, while others do and can reach temperatures of more than 400º F. The hotter the temperature, the better the styling, right? Wrong. Exposing your hair to high heat changes the shape of the keratin strands in your hair. Research states that temperatures exceeding 300º F convert alpha-keratin to beta-keratin, which contributes to weaker hair that loses elasticity. Melting the keratin in your hair causes your hair to maintain that shape on a molecular level, and it’s not reversible. 

Damaged hair lacks moisture because heat strips hair of its natural oils. Higher temperatures evaporate the water molecules in the hair, which changes the protein structure and makes hair dry up quickly. Fortunately, you can protect hair from heat tools by using a DIY protectant spray with natural ingredients. 

Almond Oil

The hair and scalp easily absorb almond oil, making it an excellent ingredient for all your hair care needs. Because the hair absorbs it quickly, it won’t weigh your hair down. It uniquely nourishes the hair because it has a high composition of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E, and D. Together, these nutrients work to fill in any gaps that exist within the structure of your hair strands. That helps the hair become more resilient, stronger, and beautiful. The only thing to keep in mind is that whether or not you have a nut allergy because you don’t want to have an allergic reaction. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a low smoke point of 350º F, which makes it an excellent option for finer hair. If you apply coconut oil to your hair as a base protectant, don’t exceed 325º F with whichever heat tool you use. Coconut oil has the ability to both condition and act as a sealant, repairing existing damage within the hair. By penetrating the hair shaft instead of simply coating it, coconut oil works to smooth out hair and keep frizz or flyaways at bay. Not only does it make your hair look much healthier, but it keeps your hair looking and feeling softer. 

Essential Oils

You can add some essential oils to the heat protectant spray to give it a signature scent. Essential oils offer protection to your hair, in addition to promoting growth and a healthier scalp. Great blends include lavender and rosemary or peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass. Just keep the drop count to about 10 drops for whichever oil or blend of oils you use. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons almond oil
• 2 teaspoons conditioner of choice
• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops essential oils of your choice
• Spray bottle
• Funnel

Instructions:

• Melt the coconut oil and allow it to cool slightly before you pour it into a spray bottle. 
• Add the remaining ingredients to the same spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine the ingredients. Shake before each use.
• Spray on damp hair before blow-drying. Mist your hair lightly a second time before you use a heat styling tool. 
• The protectant spray lasts anywhere from one to three months depending on how you store it. Storying it in the refrigerator will extend the shelf life, but the oil will have to melt in order to use it. 

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Most people think about their hair on a daily basis, fretting over frizz or enjoying the results of a beautiful blowout. Perhaps there’s a new style that is intriguing, but that can’t happen if hair is dull, limp, or brittle. There are subtle cues from hair, be it change in texture, look, or thickness, which may indicate underlying health issues. 

Similar to fluctuating moods, your hair experiences both good days and bad days. When you notice abnormal or constant changes to your locks, something may be awry with your body. The body has different ways of informing you that something is going on, be it through changes in urine, stool, or even hair. Everything from stress and nutrition to hormones and health conditions can impact your hair. Check out the following telltale clues that your hair can give you about your health.

Hair Thinning May Indicate A Thyroid Problem

Hypothyroidism is a common issue that indicates an under-active thyroid. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, you may notice an increase in thinning or shedding. Hypothyroidism can also cause muscle pain, puffy face, weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, and more. Some thyroid disorders may also increase the risk of alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition. Get a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to see if your thyroid is the cause of thinning hair. 

Losing Hair In Patches May Indicate Alopecia Areata

A telltale sign of alopecia is when you lose hair in dime- and quarter-sized patches. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. Major life events, including pregnancy, death, or illness, can trigger its development. It’s possible for patches to regrow, but more bald patches may also show up. Consult your doctor to determine whether alopecia is the root cause of hair loss. 

Yellow Or White Flakes May Indicate Dandruff

Many people are familiar with the “salted shoulder” look, in regards to dandruff. Small white or yellow flakes can fall on the shoulders or reside on hair strands. Although dandruff is not a serious medical issue, it can be embarrassing. There are many natural remedies (click here to learn more about them), but you can also treat the issue with prescription shampoos or over-the-counter specialty shampoos. 

Dry Hair May Indicate A Diet Issue

Often times, dry hair results from too much sun exposure, but hair that’s dry year round can indicate another issue. Many times, this issues results from an insufficient intake of healthy fats, according to registered dietitians. Healthy fats are vital to the health of your hair and scalp, giving more life to your strands. Support the health of your hair via your diet by enjoying more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, wild caught salmon, and beans. 

Brittle Hair May Indicate Cushing’s Syndrome

Brittle hair doesn’t always indicate Cushing’s syndrome, but it is one of the symptoms. This health condition is quite rare and it’s caused by an overabundance of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, in the body. However, there are many more obvious symptoms of Cushing’s, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and back pain. Brittle hair may also indicate a zinc or iron deficiency. Both zinc and iron and necessary for keratin production, so low levels of these nutrients can cause changes to hair structure. 

Going Gray Early May Indicate A B12 Deficiency

Most of the time, genetics are the primary cause of white hairs sprouting all over your head. There isn’t typically another health issue at play. That being said, many nutritionists say that developing lots of grays before the age of 35 may indicate a B12 or folic acid deficiency. Researchers noticed that increasing folic acid and B12 intake, combined with more sun exposure, was able to re-pigment patches of both skin and hair that stopped producing melanin. To increase your folic acid intake, focus on leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains. For more B12, focus on nutritional yeast, tempeh, shellfish, grass-fed beef, and wild caught tuna and salmon. 

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There are many people who spend lots of time nourishing the hair and scalp with a multitude of hair care products. While a healthy scalp can help hair follicles thrive, the health of your hair starts before that. If you want to have luscious locks that are commercial worthy, you have to pay attention to what you feed the body. That’s right, there are specific nutrients that encourage healthier hair, which we’ll discuss in this article. 

There is little evidence that suggests that individual hair vitamins can make hair grow faster or thicker. However, being deficient in certain nutrients can increase the risk of hair loss or brittle hair. Researchers have carried out studies about three important nutrients that support hair growth: vitamin D, keratin, and B-complex vitamins. Continue reading to learn more about them and how they can promote healthier hair. 

B-Complex Vitamins

There are eight water-soluble vitamin substances that make up the B-complex family. There is thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, biotin (B7), folate, and vitamin B12. All of these aid in cell metabolism, but several research studies have identified how both biotin and niacin support hair growth. They do this by supporting healthy energy production and fighting free radicals. The body naturally produces biotin, but people with lower levels tend to be more prone to hair loss. Increasing biotin intake works to support keratin production, which is a protein that helps maintain hair structure. 

Other B vitamins assist the body with creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Researchers state that increasing oxygen and blood circulation to the scalp helps to encourage hair growth. You can find a variety of B vitamins in whole grains, nuts & seeds, dark leafy greens, wild caught fish, nutritional yeast, and more.

Vitamin D

In addition to supporting immune health, vitamin D has a positive impact on hair health. A 2019 review found a link between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata, which involves severe hair loss. The review found that people with lower levels had more severe symptoms of the condition. Another study found that people with low vitamin D levels experienced regular hair shedding. Almost all American adults fail to consume 400 internal units (iu) of vitamin D per day, which can lead to clinical vitamin D deficiency. 

Ideally, the average adult should consume at least 600 iu of vitamin D per day. Many experts found that fat-soluble nature of vitamin D is necessary for hair follicle support. You can find vitamin D in a few different foods, including shiitake and button mushrooms, sockeye salmon, sardines, eggs, and cod liver oil. Because it isn’t readily available in food, many experts advise that people take a vitamin D supplement.

Keratin

Keratin is one of the body’s essential building blocks, and it is a protein that forms the structure of epithelial cells. These cells line surfaces both inside and outside the body. In fact, they help to make up the tissues in the hair, skin, and nails. Although keratin aids with the optimal growth and repair of bodily tissues, it helps most with strengthening the cells in the hair, skin, and nails. It also works to make hair more resilient and tends to reduce damage from friction. 

Keratin works to smooth down the cells that overlap to form hair strands. The layers of these cells, called hair cuticles, absorb keratin, which can make hair look full and glossy. For people with curly hair, keratin helps to combat excess frizz, giving it a straighter appearance and making it easier to style. You can find keratin in onion, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, mango, garlic, kale, carrots, eggs, and salmon. 

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Everyone is familiar with honey. People use it to sweeten teas, dressings, sauces, and marinades, but it has many therapeutic properties and uses outside the kitchen. In fact, many beauty bloggers and DIY enthusiasts endorse the fact that honey should be a staple in everyone’s beauty routine. 

Is Honey Good For Your Hair?

Whether you want to strengthen hair follicles, reduce breakage, calm the frizz, or reduce dandruff, honey is the ingredient that takes your hair care game to the next level. Honey provides deep conditioning and the slightly acidic pH level works to balance the scalp, helping you avoid dryness. Additionally, honey doesn’t strip the scalp or hair of the natural, protective oils. This means that your scalp stops producing excess oil, which happens as a result of chemical shampoos ridding the scalp of its natural oils. Finally, honey makes it so that your hair is softer and less frizzy. 

Note: When you decide to use honey on your hair, it is very important to use raw organic honey. 

Honey Helps You Avoid Hair Breakage

Your hair contains keratin, the natural protein that strengthens your hair and gives it structure. Many hair care routines have started to incorporate protein treatments to avoid brittle hair. Now, honey contains 0.5% protein, which isn’t a substantial amount, but it does help give life to weaker strands of hair. 

Honey Improves The Health Of Your Scalp

If you want your hair to be luscious and moisturized, you need to direct your attention to your scalp first. If the scalp is filled with built-up dirt, oils, or the residue from hair care products, you’ll have a difficult time keeping your hair healthy. Honey helps to combat dandruff and dermatitis because of the antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of honey keep the scalp bacteria-free, reducing your risk of scalp infections.

Honey Encourages Hair Growth

The antioxidants in honey penetrate hair follicles in the scalp, and they are in charge of hair development. Studies have shown that raw honey helps to awaken resting hair follicles and supports them through healthy hair growth. A 2013 review found that honey works to encourage the growth of epithelial (skin) cells. Epithelial cells make up the many hair follicles that exist on the scalp, so start lathering your scalp in honey for better hair growth!

A Quick Note: The shampoo recipe below makes a single serving. The reason for this is to prevent spoilage. Also, the shampoo is naturally watery. Don’t question the consistency; just go with it!

DIY Honey Shampoo

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon raw organic honey
• 3 tablespoons filtered water
• 2 drops carrot seed essential oil (optional)
• 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the honey and water to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. 
• Stir in the essential oils if you want to use them, and then add the mixture to a little jar. 
• Bring the mixture with you into the shower. After wetting your hair, massage a couple tablespoons of the shampoo onto your scalp. Make sure to evenly distribute it all over your head. 
• You don’t have to worry about getting the mixture on the ends of your hair. Please just focus on the scalp. 
• Rinse well and then dry your hair after the shower. There’s no need to condition after using this shampoo.

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The quest for beautifully thick and commercial quality hair is never-ending. Even the people with near perfect hair are constantly on the hunt for the newest, strangest, or cutting edge hair care routine. While rinsing with rice water, combing with olive oil, or using a DIY leave-in conditioner can all encourage healthier hair, including specific vitamins and minerals in your diet is the best way to promote hair growth.

Our Hair Needs Vitamins

If you want your immune system, heart, or colon to be healthier, you have to include certain foods in your diet. The same can be said if you want your hair to go from damaged to nourished. Most hair problems often result from nutritional deficiencies. An unhealthy diet has a major influence on the overall appearance and health of your hair, skin, and internal systems and organs. There are vitamins and minerals that work to strengthen hair follicles, use protein efficiently, and increase circulation to the scalp. Be sure to include the following vitamins and minerals in your diet for optimal hair health and growth.

Iron

The body needs iron for optimal growth and development, and to carry oxygen from the lungs to all other areas of the body, including your hair follicles. Iron also helps the body use protein for hair growth more efficiently. Several studies have shown that female pattern baldness (hair loss in the center of the scalp) is partially attributed to low iron levels. Great food sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, lentils, cashews, quinoa, chia seeds, hemp seeds, dried gifs, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas.

Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin has more influence on overall health than people realize. People with low vitamin D levels can experience anything from reduced immune function to alopecia. According to research, vitamin D helps to create new hair follicles, the tiny pores from which new hair grows. Most people in the Western world are deficient in vitamin D, which is sad when you consider that 50-90% of our vitamin D intake comes from being in the sun. All you have to do is go outside, people! If you are sensitive to the sun and take vitamin D supplements, please be careful to not ingest too much because excess vitamin D can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Zinc

Zinc is actually a popular ingredient in over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. Being an essential trace mineral, zinc is involved in many physiological processes in the body. When it comes to your hair, zinc helps to repair damaged hair and maintain sebaceous gland function on the scalp. Some research revealed that low zinc levels contributed to hair loss, but more research is necessary on this matter. Because zinc is plentiful in a variety of foods, it is easy to add more of this mineral to your daily diet. Start eating pumpkin seeds, lentils, spinach, chickpeas, quinoas, walnuts, hemp seeds, wild rice, shiitake mushrooms, and black beans to increase zinc levels.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight free radical damage, which can interfere with optimal hair growth. Limited research is available for vitamin E’s ability to slow hair loss, but other research shows that vitamin E adds a protective layer and increased shine to hair. Vitamin E oil is also beneficial for nourishing the scalp, especially if it is dry. One study found that people, who supplemented with vitamin E for eight months, experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth. You can find vitamin E in avocados, spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, red bell peppers, Brazil nuts, mangos, and kiwis.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin is what you call an essential vitamin, meaning the body needs it to function properly. Dietary biotin helps the body turn the food you eat into energy, but it also breaks down protein into amino acids that your hair needs for optimal growth. Scientists say that biotin actually improves the body’s keratin infrastructure, and keratin is the protein that comprises your hair, skin, and nails. If you have sun-damaged hair or brittle hair from heat styling, biotin works to enhance the volume and strength of your hair. You can find biotin in peanuts, avocados, raspberries, walnuts, sweet potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, almonds, mushrooms, and broccoli.

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